Annual Conference 2005

The 2005 Florida Main Street Annual Conference will offer proven ideas and strategies for historic commercial district revitalization, with educational sessions presented by professionals from around Florida and the nation. Network with other Main Street professionals, discover new trends in downtown revitalization, and learn about strategies that can help return your downtown into a bustling center of activity.

Conference Highights:

• Conference Hotel is the Inn on Fifth, a boutique hotel located within walking distance of all venues.
• Opening Reception at the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and The von Liebig Art Center, which offers changing exhibits of contemporary American art, with a focus on Florida art.
• Meetings will be held at the Professional Development Center.
• A variety of local tours throughout Naples, including:
  • Lunch cruise on the Naples Princess.
  • Architect-led walking tour on Fifth Avenue South ("Art in Public Places" program).
  • Docent-led tour of the Sugden Theater, home of the Naples Players.
  • Segway tour of Old Naples www.napleswatertours.com.
  • Boat tour of Naples Area www.napleswatertours.com.
• Awards Dinner at Inn on Fifth.
• Nationally renowned speakers.
• Great local entertainment.

Session topics this year include marketing, business recruitment, design, promotion, historic preservation, networking, architecture, urban design, public markets, partnering, retail trends, economic restructuring, organization, and more. All educational sessions will be held at the Professional Development Center.

Naples Highlights:

• Known for world class shopping, dining, and challenging golf courses.
• Featured in Southern Living magazine, The New York Times, The London Times, USA Today, and the Travel Channel's Top 10 Beaches in America 2005.
• Nestled on the sun-drenched beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Located near the tropical wilderness of the Everglades and several State & National Parks and Sanctuaries offering fishing, canoeing, deep sea fishing, air boat rides, and nature tours.
• Naples features many cultural activities, some of which are:
  • Naples Museum of Art
  • Collier County Museum
  • The von Liebig Art Center
  • Over 100 Art Galleries
  • Naples Dinner Theatre
  • Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre
  • Morris Center
  • Philharmonic Center for the Arts